The highly innovative products and world class technology developed at Qioptiq’s two sites in North Wales are a prime example of the world leading capability and expertise that Wales can offer overseas companies looking to invest in the UK.
This was the message from Economy Minister Edwina Hart as she visited Qioptiq’s St Asaph site ahead of this week’s UK Investment Summit Wales 2014 which will be a global showcase for Welsh innovation and skills.
The Minister said: “We have some quite remarkable companies in Wales developing world class products and – in the case of Qioptiq – developing products that are literally out of this world.
“Its Bodelwyddan site is the only facility in the world producing highly specialised ribbon thin glass specifically for the space industry, which has been used on a substantial number of major satellite programmes including the Rosetta mission to land a craft on a moving comet.
“Meanwhile its St Asaph facility is one of the world’s principal designers and manufacturers of infrared and image intensified night vision equipment which is supplied to more than 56 different countries for a wide range of applications. Qioptiq capabilities support many international defence programmes and their expertise in Head Up Display technology sees their systems on many of the world’s commercial aircraft.
“This is a tremendous achievement and a great advertisement for the skills and expertise we have in Wales. It is just one example of the many successful inward investment projects that are creating highly skilled jobs, investing substantially in research and development and helping to boost the economy in Wales.
“Levels of inward investment in Wales are now at a record high and the Summit in Newport will build on this success and promote Wales as the go-to destination for quality foreign investment.”
Bringing together global investors, business leaders and ministers, it will build on the spotlight placed on Wales during the NATO summit and be a global showcase for Welsh innovation and skills.
The Summit will see businesses from across the world forge new international commercial partnerships and develop and extend global networks. It will bring together investors with senior decision-makers from companies and highlight how UK companies are using new technologies to grow and generate investment around the UK.